Saint-Privat-Des-Vieux lies on a rise between the valleys of the Avène and the Bruèges. A circular trail, viewpoint, leisure park and historic sites offer different ways to shape a stay, from outdoor activity to architecture and archaeological traces.
Trails and viewpoints
The “Pont Napoléon” circular trail is 4.5 kilometres long. The Pont Napoléon on Chemin Replo, 30340 Saint-Privat-des-Vieux, provides a crossing over the Avène River. The structure is designated as a historic site and monument, and is also classified as an engineering structure—a bridge or viaduct. These details offer different points of reference for planning: the trail’s distance on the one hand, and a bridge with a crossing function and historic designation on the other.
The trail to La Croix Bertranet is 4 kilometres long and starts at the car park by the Maison des Jeunes in the town centre. At Croix Bertranet, an orientation panel gives walkers a view of Alès and the Cévennes. The site is designated as historic and religious heritage, as well as a Calvary and a cross. The trail is therefore described not only by its starting point and length, but also by its destination, a named site with a view and religious significance. The two trail lengths differ by 500 metres.
Leisure park in the town centre
The Parc Intergénérationnel is a publicly accessible leisure park of more than one hectare in the town centre. Its landscaped, tree-lined setting offers a distinct alternative to the trails in the surrounding area. The park includes a pump track suitable for riders of all ages. The Parc Intergénérationnel is also accessible to people with reduced mobility. This brings together a spacious green area and a pump track as different activities in one place within the town.
Church and archaeological traces
The Église Saint Jean is in the centre and is a Romanesque church dating from the 12th century. Its history extends beyond its construction: during the Camisard War, troops led by the Camisard Jean Cavalier set it on fire on the night of 23–24 December 1702. During renovation work, two burial vessels dating from the 12th century were discovered—one inside the church and the other outside, by the road. Its architecture, the history of the conflict and its archaeological finds offer different ways to explore the history of the area.
The archaeological past reaches back even further. From the end of the Neolithic period (2500/2200 BC), people used three sites in Saint-Privat-Des-Vieux: the caves of Avène and Montgrand, and a pastoral refuge at Usclade. The sites differ in form, but together offer a glimpse into the early history of human activity in the area. Archaeological finds from the sites of Saint-Privat-des-Vieux are currently on display at the Musée du Colombier in Alès.
Discover more destinations: Saint-André-De-Valborgne, Vic-Le-Fesq, Blauzac, Saint-Jean-De-Ceyrargues, Saint-Julien-De-Peyrolas, Saint-Félix-De-Pallières, Milhaud, Cruviers-Lascours.
For the broader travel overview: Gard.
